Creative Tendring has been awarded £750,000 as part of Arts Council England’s largest ever Creative People and Places (CPP) Portfolio, investing £42 million across 45 UK programmes from 2026–29 to spark more grassroots-led cultural experiences in areas where participation in the arts is below the national average.
Hosted by Arts Trust Productions in partnership with Tendring District Council, Community Voluntary Services Tendring, and The Harwich Festival, Creative Tendring will connect world-class artists with local communities to celebrate what makes Tendring unique. The programme will focus on tackling isolation, supporting wellbeing, and helping people of all ages and backgrounds build confidence through creativity.
From April 2026, the Creative Tendring team will begin its development phase, working with our residents and local partners who will shape the ideas and build projects that reflect the district’s creativity and culture. Expect community-led festivals, workshops and public art projects to follow; designed, created and owned by the people of Tendring. The first public events will launch in early 2027, marking the start of a long-term commitment to embedding creativity into everyday life.
This funding is made possible thanks to National Lottery players. Every National Lottery ticket purchased generates money for good causes and enables people in villages, towns and cities across the country to access cultural experiences where they live.
Arts Trust Productions is behind some of the UK’s most vibrant community cultural events, including Summer in the Park and King’s Cross Summer Sounds. Both festivals are open to the public to simply turn up and enjoy, with Summer in the Park completely free to attend and King’s Cross Summer Sounds offering a mix of free and ticketed performances. Together, these outdoor festivals attract tens of thousands of visitors each year, transforming public spaces into lively hubs of music, creativity and connection. Each event strengthens communities and demonstrates how culture can reimagine shared spaces. In 2025, the charity launched St Osyth Summer Sounds, extending its cultural reach across the region.
Martin Collins, CEO & Founder of Arts Trust Productions, said: “Creative Tendring is all about unlocking the potential that already exists within our communities. By working together, we can build a cultural future that truly belongs to the people of Tendring.”
Gary Scott, Tendring District Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture and Heritage, said: “This is a significant boost for the arts and creativity in our district. Creative Tendring is all about putting local people at the heart of arts and culture, and I’m genuinely excited to see how it will ignite creativity and pride within our communities. Championing the arts means more than just hosting great events; it’s about raising aspirations, opening doors and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.”
Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “Creative Tendring shows how community-led cultural investment can transform lives, by placing decision-making in the hands of local people and working with world-class artists. We are proud to support a partnership that is building a vibrant and inclusive cultural ecosystem, one that will leave a lasting legacy for Tendring’s communities.”
Peter Davis, Artistic Director of Harwich Festival said: “We are so pleased that the Creative Tendring bid was successful and we are thrilled to be part of it. We look forward to working with our local community to help them achieve their ambitions for the future”.
Lisa Andrews, Chief Officer of Community Voluntary Services Tendring (CVST), said: “At CVST we know the amazing benefits coming together in creative activity can have. Social isolation can have a huge impact on overall health and wellbeing, and we are thrilled that there is now this Arts Council funding to deliver creative projects that will benefit the wellbeing of residents in Tendring”.
Issued on behalf of Arts Trust Productions
